Winter is in full swing, love is in the air, and the cherry blossoms are set to bloom soon, which could only mean one thing: February is upon us!
Whether you’re looking for some winter fun or a little romance, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy in this Secret D.C. roundup of all of the best things to do in D.C. this February.
1. Honor Black History Month by supporting local black-owned businesses
February is Black History Month, and in a city as steeped in history as D.C., there are numerous ways to commemorate it—from museums to exhibits, to patronizing local businesses, and more!
Here are a few happenings and ways to honor the struggles and achievements of the Black community:
- Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Check out one of these exhibits/plays:
- “Black Like Me” at the Zenith Gallery.
- “The High Ground” at Arena Stage.
- “Wild Seeds of the Soufside” at Phillips@THEARC.
- “Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South” at the National Gallery of Art.
- Patronize the Sweet Home Café for its Black History Month Chef’s Table.
2. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at one of D.C.’s most romantic restaurants
Valentine’s Day is an important day that requires careful and thoughtful planning in advance, so if you are interested in booking a dinner at one of D.C.’s most romantic restaurants be sure to book your table well in advance!
That being said, fine wining and dining is not and should not be limited to one day only, so even if you don’t plan to make a reservation for Valentine’s Day, don’t shy away from reserving a table for another day this February!
3. Visit this new immersive museum that will unleash your inner child
If you love museums that double as photo ops, you’re going to love Bubble Planet!
This interactive exhibit has 10 different rooms, all with different themes, colors, and sights. Bubbles ranging from soapy baths to smoke-filled orbs to balloons will allow you to float through a magical story that you likely haven’t experienced before.
Get your tickets here!.
Where: Rhode Island Center
524 Rhode Island Ave NE, 20002
4. Enjoy a unique happy hour at the Library of Congress
There are so many fun free activities in D.C., and Thursday evenings at the Library of Congress are no exception. Taking place every Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm, Live! At The Library includes access to the library’s exhibits, snacks and drinks, and special weekly events including music, performances, films, and more.
While you do have to pay for the food and drinks if you want something to sip or snack on, the experience is otherwise completely free!
5. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Looking for an exciting surprise? What’s more exciting than a blindfolded dinner?
Dining in the Dark allows you to pick a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences (green for vegan, blue for seafood, or red for meat) that will stimulate your senses!
6. Enjoy the sounds of classical music by candlelight
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind. You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight. With multiple genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you!
- Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
- Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
- Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
- Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles
- Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings
- Candlelight: Tribute to Drake
7. Hit the ice at one of these magnificent skating rinks
The weather is getting colder, winter is upon us, and what better way to take it all in than with a favorite winter pastime: ice skating! Luckily, there are several easily accessible ice rinks around Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area. Check out some of our favorite ice rinks below, and you can find the full list here:
- National Gallery and Sculpture Garden Rink
- Washington Harbour Ice Rink
- The Wharf Ice Rink
8. Visit this new immersive VR experience, transporting you to ancient Egypt
This incredibly immersive VR experience will transport you across time and space in an instant, taking you to ancient Egypt, where you can explore the pyramids, decipher hieroglyphs, and more!
The most interesting part of the exhibit? It was developed in collaboration with one of Harvard University’s top Egyptologists, Peter der Manuelian, making it an accurate and educational experience.
9. See a movie at select AMC Theaters and snag discounted food and drink
There’s a reason it’s a classic date idea — you can’t beat movies with a snack and a drink!
Now, when you go to a movie at a participating Theater, you can get a discount on your drink and popcorn!
Learn more about discount tickets and vouchers for drinks & snacks here!
Where: Multiple locations
10. Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden’s Orchids exhibit at the National Museum of African American History
You don’t have to be a plant lover to appreciate the peacefulness and tranquility that a room full of orchids has to offer!
So even though this is an absolute must-visit for any plant lovers in D.C. this week, the fact remains that this is a great plan to keep in your back pocket for any Washingtonian to do with friends or even for a unique date idea!
This year’s exhibit is called ‘More than a Flower: the Connective Power of Orchids’ and is in collaboration with the National Museum of African American History.
📍8th Street Northwest &, G St NW
11. Visit the baby Asian Elephant that’s going to be born this month at the National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is set to welcome a new ‘trunk-load’ of joy in the coming weeks as one of its Asian elephants prepares to birth the herd’s first new calf in over 20 years!
12. Keep cozy with one of these delicious hot chocolates
Credit: Ice Cream JubileeAs the weather begins to get colder and we wake to frost layering the ground and cars, we’re officially entering hot chocolate season! A tasty, chocolatey cup of sweet goodness is key to keeping warm during cold D.C. winters and even boosting one’s intelligence! Here’s a sneak peek of some of our favorite D.C. spots to grab a cup of hot chocolate, and you can find the full list here:
- L.A. Burdick
- Colada Shop
- Sticky Fingers Diner
13. Hit the gas at the Washington, D.C., Auto Show
The 2026 Washington D.C. Auto Show culminates on a final day of four-wheeled fun on Sunday, February 1st.
Being the final day of the annual event, there will be lots of activations and fun activities planned to ensure the Auto Show goes off on a high note!
14. Go on a nice walk to see some of D.C.’s most romantic spots
If you’d like to make Valentine’s Day special without having to spend a lot of money taking the time to plan a short activity like a walk around D.C.’s most romantic spots is a perfect way to make the day memorable show your significant other that you care. There are so many cute spots around this city that people might not be familiar with and planning a picnic or even just a simple walk through some of these spots could be the perfect way to enjoy an evening with your partner.
15. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the festivities throughout the District
This year Lunar New Year falls on February 17th, but the District’s annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade is slated to take place on Sunday, February 22nd.
